Local Iranians have mixed reactions to nuclear deal

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Iranian nationals in Southern California are having mixed reactions to Tuesday's landmark deal to curb Iran's nuclear program.

The agreement should keep Iran from producing enough material to build a nuclear weapon for 10 years, but it doesn't eliminate the nuclear program all together.

"We're saying that Iran is going to be a threshold nuclear power, that's a game-changer," said Rabbi Abraham Cooper, associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Cooper says this change could destabilize the balance in the Middle East.

"Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates have every right to be deeply concerned about a regime that said recently the destruction of Israel is non-negotiable," Cooper said.

Kevin Adhami moved from Iran to Los Angeles 15 years ago and now runs his own computer repair shop in Westwood. He believes the deal is good news for his family members who still live in Iran because it offers a chance to end the nation's isolation and improve its economy.

The Iranian population in the "Persian Square" area of Westwood surged following the Iranian revolution in 1979, when many citizens fled the country.

Others who live in the area have their doubts about the deal - including restaurant owner Roozbeh Farahanipour. He says the real issue is human rights violations and that he is skeptical the agreement will be honored by the Iranian government.

"Nobody can trust them, including the people," Farahanipour said.